Environment

While creating and building Shale Oak we kept a keen eye on sustainability in every facet, striving to make the smallest impact possible on our surrounding environment. Studio2G Architects and In Balance Green Consulting both helped us achieve some of our goals.

Studio2G Architects

As he set out to begin building Shale Oak Winery, it was imperative that owner Al Good first find an architecture firm that matched his goal of building a winery and tasting room that took the natural elements of his site into consideration. He found just that in Studio2G.

Dedicated to providing a quality product, Studio2G strives to find a harmonious balance between a design aesthetic, the client’s intentions, the workings of the built world, and an understanding of the natural environment. As they got to know Al and to better understand his vision, an avant-garde architectural style was proposed, as well as LEED Certification with a goal of achieving “Silver” Certification. Special care was taken to design the buildings and the site with great sensitivity to the existing environment. So much so, that the project was awarded "Gold" Certification.

In Balance Green Consulting

Brought on board to manage the complicated LEED Certification process, In Balance also provided energy modeling and daylight analysis. They worked closely with Studio2G, as well as with Thoma Electric and Brummel Myrick Engineering, in the early stages of the design process to best optimize the buildings’ performance.

Windows, insulation, lighting, and mechanical equipment were meticulously researched and selected for energy efficiency. Solar photovoltaic panels generate about one third of Shale Oak’s energy needs. Daylight modeling was used to design both the winery and tasting room buildings; windows and sun tubes almost completely eliminate the need for electric lights during the day. Additionally, the sun tubes have dampers that block daylight into the winery when the rooms are not occupied.